I had my gallbladder taken out in May of 2011. The pain was AWFUL. I took pain pill for what seemed like forever. Naturally, when my surgery was scheduled, just like you, I was afraid of the pain. I didn't want to relive how I had felt before. Honestly, though, while I felt tenderness and swelling was apparent, it wasn't as bad as you might think. A good hospital/surgery center is going to keep you well medicated and help ween you off an IV drip. I had an IV drip until the end of the very first day after surgery. Then they gave me liquid- which I thought was way worse than any pain. Because you can't take pills right away, you have to take the most awful tasting medicine (in my opinion). The first week after my surgery, I stayed with my mom, and she just about had to force feed it to me LOL but I'm a wimp when it comes to taste.
Being nervous is natural, so I won't tell you not to be (I bawled the entire check-in process right before they gave me like...3 doses of some medicine to calm me down).
I'm 3 months out, 60 lbs down and I have NO regrets. There are bumps in the road and certain things you have to get used to, but really, I am so happy with my choice- as is most everyone on here!
Good luck! It will all go well! You'll LOVE it!